Any great event requires preparation. Significant movements do not merely appear. There must be necessary groundwork, anticipation. The Bible sublimely illustrates the way God raised up heralds who announced the coming ministry and message of Christ. Chief among them is John the Baptizer.

We seldom associate John with the birth of Jesus. This is understandable. He was but an infant himself at the time Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. Yet, he is so much a part of the announcement and the expectation of Christ, that in a real way he belongs not only to the birth narrative but the full gospel story. John is forerunner of the Savior - and more.

THE HERALD

John’s aged parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, had long ago abandoned hope of having children. Suddenly the miracle occurred. As th…